Green Earth Green Plants Project Certification Assessment

Green Earth—Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Johnson Fediw Associates Kathy Fediw, LEED AP ID+C, CLP, CLT, President www.GreenEarthGreen...
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Green Earth—Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Johnson Fediw Associates Kathy Fediw, LEED AP ID+C, CLP, CLT, President www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

© Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

Green Earth–Green Plants® Interior Plantscape Project Certification Assessment

Johnson Fediw Associates 6 Gold Leaf Place The Woodlands TX 77384 281-687-6966 www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com [email protected]

©2009, Revised July 25, 2013

Instructions: Note: Your project must meet the required criteria in order to quality. Your interiorscape project does not need to meet all of the optional points, only 100 points are required. We realize that designing and maintaining an eco-friendly interiorscape project is about making choices based on your market, client preferences, budget constraints, size of your project, availability of products, local conditions and local regulations. 1. Fill in the right-hand column with the eligible number of points for each criterion you are claiming. Points are assigned based on their impact on the environment, health and wellbeing. You must attain a minimum of 100 points to qualify for certification. 2. Most criteria will require that you send proof or documentation. This may be in the form of photos, copies of receipts, schedules, etc. Everything you send will be held in the strictest confidence. Your documentation will not be shared with any other persons or organizations without your written permission. 3. If you prefer an on-site inspection instead of sending proof, please call 281-687-6966 and we will quote you any additional costs. You can expect those costs to cover travel expenses, etc. We will take the photos and make the copies as needed for your documentation. 4. By signing this assessment, you agree to allow us to make unannounced on-site inspections to make sure your project is complying with the criteria you are claiming. Any on-site inspections will be done at our own cost, not yours. 5. By signing this assessment, you also agree that you are being truthful and are complying with all federal, state and local laws and regulations. Conviction under any laws or regulations may be cause for immediate revocation of your certification. 6. All materials and information you send us will be held in strictest confidence by Johnson Fediw Associates and its agents. If anyone contacts us concerning your project certification, we will verify your status and will only send them additional information upon your approval. 7. By signing this agreement you agree to our policies concerning the use of the trademarked logo, protected under the laws of the United States under the US Patent and Trademark Office. If you are disqualified or do not renew you will be required to immediately cease and desist using the logo and referring to your project as being “Green Earth-Green Plants Certified” or otherwise green or eco-certified (unless you have certification under another program.) 8. Please send your completed assessment form and documentation in strictest confidence by email to Kathy Fediw, LEED AP, CLP, CLT at [email protected], or mail to Kathy Fediw, LEED AP, CLP, CLT, Johnson Fediw Associates, 6 Gold Leaf Place, The Woodlands, TX 77384. 9. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call 281-687-6966. Our offices are open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Central Time (Texas, USA.) Thank you!

We will notify you by email once your assessment has been approved. You will receive a certificate in PDF format that you can print, frame and include with your marketing materials.

This assessment is protected by US copyright laws and may not be copied or used in any other manner. The Green Earth-Green Plants® name and logo are Registered Trademarks and are protected by the laws and regulations of the USPTO and are for the use of Certified Projects and Businesses only in accordance with our policies.

© Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Ph: 281•687•6966

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

Assessment Form Name and physical address of Project:

Date of application:

Project’s owner or building manager:

Project contact information: Email: Phone number

Project Category and Registration Fees:



□ Private



□ Entire

Office space, not entire building: $299 fee Residence: $299 Building/Hotel Lobby, Mall or Atrium: $499 fee Commercial Building: $499

Total Square Footage of Usable Area for the space as defined by BOMA. Or you may use Net Lettable Area. For purposes of this certification you may deduct the following areas from your calculations provided no plants are located in these areas: Hallways and corridors; restrooms; food preparation areas; stairwells, steps and elevator shafts; science laboratories and other technical areas within reason; unoccupied office space; any areas where the placement of plants would pose a safety risk.



Office campus (multiple buildings within one location and within walking distance) $899 fee Person applying for certification and relationship: Name:

Signature of applicant: _____________________________________________________

Company: Address:

Is the project installed/maintained by a Green Earth—Green Plants Certified Business? If so you may deduct $50 from the Project Certification Fee.

Email: Relationship:

□ Interiorscape contractor □ Manager

Name of certified business:____________________________________

□Owner □ Designer/Architect Other:_____________________________ Application fee:

□Credit card

If project is less than one year old from installation or refurbishing of the plants, please provide as much documentation as possible and any copies of service plans or policies.

Credit Card #:____________________________________Exp: ________ Name on card:__________________________Security Code: ______ Billing Address: _______________________________________________

_____ New Project

_____ Existing Project

© Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Certification is in effect for an initial 1year period. Renewal fee will be $95 per year after the first year.

Ph: 281•687•6966

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

Criteria

Check if criteria has been met.

PREREQUISITES: Your project must meet these criteria in order to qualify:  Based on the criteria required in Australia’s Green Star rating system for green buildings and current research: For every 160 square feet of Usable Area there must be a minimum of: One 12” plant or larger, or Two 8” plants or larger, or Four 6” plants or larger. These measurements are for the original grow pot diameter as measured by industry standards. Please send a plant inventory and floor plan of the area. The interiorscape project must have:  Option A: a current horticulture service contract for a minimum 1year; or  Option B: if care is provided in-house, there must be at least one person whose sole responsibility is the care of the plants and who has been caring for the plants on this project for a minimum of 1 year. This plan must include guaranteed replacement of the plants or if done in-house a budget for the replacement of substandard plants must be in place. If care is provided in-house the replacement budget must be a minimum of 10% of the cost of the plants and must be in place for the entire period of the certification. Plant replacements must be of the same size, grade and value of the original plant, in accordance with standards outlined in “The Guide to Interior Landscape Specifications” published by the Professional Landcare Network (formerly ALCA.) Documentation: please provide a copy of the contract or budget. You may delete the amount for the contract but not the amount for a replacement budget for Option B.

© Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Ph: 281•687•6966

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

The following credits are optional. Your project must acquire a minimum of 100 points from these optional credits in order for the project to qualify. Criteria

Possible Points

Earned Points

PLANT SELECTION: Foliage plants are eco-certified by a program such as Veriflora.  75-100% of the plants are eco-certified. 10 points  50-74% of the plants are eco-certified. 8 points  25-49% of the plants are eco-certified. 6 points

Up to 10 points

Foliage plants are grown locally, within a 500 mile radius of the project site.  75-100% of the plants are grown locally. 10 points  50-74% of the plants are grown locally. 8 points  25-49% of the plants are grown locally. 6 points

Up to 10 points

Please submit copies of invoices or receipts as documentation for these 2 criteria. Blooming plants are eco-certified by a program such as Veriflora.  75-100% of the plants are eco-certified. 10 points  50-74% of the plants are eco-certified. 8 points  25-49% of the plants are eco-certified. 6 points

Up to 10 points

Blooming plants are grown locally, within a 500 mile radius of the project site.  75-100% of the plants are grown locally. 10 points  50-74% of the plants are grown locally. 8 points  25-49% of the plants are grown locally. 6 points

Up to 10 points

Please submit copies of invoices or receipts for these 2 criteria. Other eco-friendly criteria pertaining to the origin of the plants used:

To be determined.

WATERING The use of subirrigation, wetting agents or automated micro-irrigation systems reduces the need for weekly maintenance visits, reduces fossil fuel use and pollution, reduces the dosage for fertilizers and pesticides, and reduces the rate of plant replacements.

Up to 10 points

Options: choose one.

□ □ □ □ □

a. Subirrigation* is used on 25% of all indoor plants. 6 points. b. Subirrigation* is used on 26-50% of all indoor plants. 7 points c. Subirrigation* is used on 51-75% of all indoor plants. 8 points d. Subirrigation* is used on 76-95% of all indoor plants. 9 points e. Subirrigation* is used on all indoor plants of all sizes. 10 points.

*Subirrigation may include any of the following systems: capillary matting, CWI®, Lechuza®, MPS®, Jardinere®, Sippers®, Aquafur®, Joey Pouch, Oasis® disks, or other similar systems. All automated micro-irrigation and drip irrigation systems also qualify. Please list the system(s) you use and send a photo, receipt, invoice or other proof.

© Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Ph: 281•687•6966

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

Criteria

Possible Points

Non-potable water sources, grey water or collected rainwater are used for watering. Please include photo of system.

6 points

Please list any other practices that conserve water use (other than topdressing or staging practices, which are covered in another section):

To be determined.

Earned Points

FERTILIZATION Organic fertilizers are used. Please give brand name(s) and include copy of receipt or invoice.

2 points

Soil testing is done by a third party laboratory on specimen plants and large plantings prior to fertilization at a minimum of once a year. Please send copy of report from testing done within the past year.

2 points

Other:

To be determined.

PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL Note: This section pertains to your use and application of pesticides on this project only. Please note: Failure to comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations concerning pesticides will result in the revocation of your Green Earth—Green Plants® certification. Aerosol sprays and petroleum-based pesticides are not permitted on certified projects due to their increased risks to humans and the environment.

You comply with the requirements listed above, or use no chemical pesticides.

10 points possible

Please list any and all of the pest control products you use on this interior plantscape project and send copies of inventory, pesticide logs, labels or receipts. This includes the use of beneficial insects, organic products, food-grade products, etc.

You have a written policy stating that pesticides are to be used only as a last resort after mechanical removal and other non-chemical methods have been attempted, or that no pesticides are used.

4 points

Please provide a copy of this document.

Beneficial insects, mites, nematodes, beneficial bacteria or other organisms are used for pest control when appropriate. 10 points.

10 points

Please list what you use and where it has been used. Include copy of receipt or invoice.

Spot treatment of pests is used when necessary, as opposed to fogging methods or © Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Ph: 281•687•6966

4 points

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

Criteria

Possible Points

Earned Points

treating large areas, on this interiorscape project.

Pesticide Application Methods and Formulations: Please select which application method and formulation you use most often on this project. You may select more than one formulation..

□ □ □ □

Up to 10 points

a. Pesticides are never used on this project: 10 points. b. Granular pesticides (including systemic granular pesticides) are sometimes used and applied to the soil media. 8 points. c. Drenches (including systemic drenches) are sometimes used and applied to the soil media. 8 points. d. Sprays are sometimes used, other than aerosol sprays, and applied with an electrostatic sprayer to minimize drift, or a hand-held sprayer of one gallon or less capacity. 6 points.

Pesticides in dilution (mixed with water) and concentrated (unused) pesticides are used up on plants and not disposed of down the sink or commode. All label directions and any local ordinances are followed. 6 points OrNo pesticides are used: 6 points

Up to 6 points

*Please note: although disposing of diluted or mixed pesticides on the ground may be permitted, it is not considered to be an eco-friendly practice. Wildlife and the soil ecosystem may be exposed to harmful chemicals with this practice. Other eco-friendly pest control practices:

To be determined

TOPDRESSINGS, STAGING AND CLEANING PRODUCTS Topdressings made from natural, renewable, or recycled materials are used. Two points are awarded if the product is made from natural or organic materials, two points for renewable materials, four points for recycled materials. In this context, we are considering a product to be renewable if it can be quickly re-grown within 10 years without harm to the ecosystem.

Up to 6 points

Choose one type of topdressing used on the majority of the plants on this project. Spanish moss, sheet moss: natural product, renewable. 4 points Wood excelsior moss: natural product, renewable. 4 points PolyPebbles™ or Rockafillers™: recycled materials. 6 points. Bark nuggets, shredded bark: natural product, renewable. 4 points Tumbled glass, other glass products: recycled materials. 6 points. Natural river rock, pea gravel, similar materials: natural product. 2 points. Other: please list:

© Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Ph: 281•687•6966

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

Criteria

Possible Points

Recycled materials are used for staging as appropriate on this project. Please list.

2 points

Phosphate-free soaps and cleaners and/or petroleum-free plant shines are used on this project. Plant cleaners must be non-aerosol. Please list.

2 points

Reusable wipes or wipes made from recycled materials are used on this project. Please list and provide a photo.

2 points

Other plant grooming practices that are eco-friendly:

To be determined

Earned Points

PLANT CONTAINERS AND PLANTERS For each type of container used below, you may claim the following number of points, according to the percentage of this type of decorative container found on this project. Please check with the manufacturer or distributor for assistance. Please include a complete inventory of containers, including quantities, manufacturer and style or model name and number. 100% of all containers on project qualify: 12 points 75% to 99% of all containers on project qualify: 10 points 50% to 74% of all containers on project qualify: 8 points 25% to 49% of all containers on project qualify: 6 points 15% to 24% of all containers on project qualify: 4 points See below: Containers which have a powder-coated finish and are therefore low in VOC emissions. Please list manufacturer and model names for verification. 4 to 12 points per instructions above.

Up to 12 points

_____% of containers on project = _____ points

Containers are made of wood, wicker, bamboo or other plant-based material considered to be rapidly renewable (within a 10 year harvest cycle.) Please list manufacturer and model names for verification. 4 to 12 points per instructions above.

Up to 12 points

_____% of containers on project = _____ points

© Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Ph: 281•687•6966

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

Criteria

Possible Points

Containers are made of at least 30% recycled materials. Please list manufacturer and model names for verification. 4 to 12 points.

Earned Points

Up to 12 points

_____% of containers on project = _____ points

Containers have been reused (recycled) or refurbished. Please provide proof, such as receipts of materials used, or old inventory if reused or recycled. 4 to 12 points per instructions above.

Up to 12 points

_____% of containers on project = _____ points

Containers are manufactured locally, within a 500 mile radius of this project site. Please submit receipts or invoices indicating the manufacturing plant’s name and physical address. 4 to 12 points per instructions above.

Up to 12 points

_____% of containers on project = ____points

Containers are biodegradable once disposed of in the landfill. Please list manufacturer and model names for verification. 4 to 12 points per instructions above.

Up to 12 points

_____% of containers on project = _____ points

Containers are built in (or in-ground planters) and are made from or lined with either biodegradable materials; materials manufactured or processed within 500 miles of the site; made of natural materials such as rock; made of recycled materials; and/or made of renewable materials.. Please list and provide photo. 4 to 12 points per instructions above.

Up to 12 points

_____% of containers on project = _____ points

If you are uncertain if your containers qualify for the criteria listed above, please list the manufacturer, model and percentage you have on project and we will investigate this for you.

To be determined

Containers:

EMPLOYEE TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE PROJECT:

© Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Ph: 281•687•6966

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

Criteria

Possible Points

Earned Points

The pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and use of petroleum products in transporting horticulturists to and from interiorscape projects is an important concern to green building professionals and environmental activists. The person(s) regularly responsible for the care of the plants on this project must use one or more of the following modes of transportation to get to and from the project site: Take public transportation, such as bus, train or subway, or Walk or bike, or Use a vanpool or carpool (share ride), or Use a hybrid vehicle or alternative fuel vehicle, or Be on a minimum 14 day service schedule. Employee(s) who care for the plants on this project are permitted to report directly to this project jobsite rather than first coming in to the office, warehouse or holding facility.

2 points

Employees are permitted to go home directly from the last jobsite of the day(s) on which this project is maintained, rather than returning to the office, warehouse or holding facility.

2 points

The company donates to a carbon offset program: please name the program. (We realize that the effectiveness of these programs is somewhat controversial. Yet programs that aid in reforestation have been determined to have some merit.)

2 points

Other practices:

RECYCLING The following waste materials from this project are recycled or reused: (please provide a photo of your recycling containers.) Paper: including office paper, packing materials and newspaper:

2 points

Cardboard: including boxes which may be reused:

2 points

Glass and metal:

2 points

Plastics: which may include growpots:

2 points

Paper and fiber plant sleeves:

2 points

Plant clippings and debris are composted. Please submit photo of your composting bin.

2 points

Other practices:

STAFF EDUCATION © Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Ph: 281•687•6966

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

Criteria

Possible Points

For the following criteria, please assign one point for each hour of instruction on an environmental or horticultural topic per person working on this project on the following scale, up to a maximum of 10 points.

Earned Points

Up to 10 points

Topics may include composting, eco-friendly pest control, reducing water usage, routing efficiency, pest and disease identification, wildlife conservation, health and well-being benefits of indoor plants, etc. For each criteria, please submit proof that the person attended the class, such as a receipt, certificate or sign-in sheet, plus a class description or copy of the handout. You may take one point per hour of instruction, per person attending within the past year, only those who work on this project on a regularly scheduled basis.

□ □ □

In-house classes, workshops and staff meetings (educational portion only): Formal web-based training programs, webinars, teleseminars or computer-based training programs: Classes or workshops held during a state, regional, national or international conference or symposium:

All employees on this project receive a company newsletter, trade journal or publication at least 4 times a year with horticultural or environmental information. Please list the publication or provide a copy. Publication may be printed or electronic.

4 points

Staff members are reimbursed in total or in part for successfully attending and passing an environmental or horticultural class at a university, college or vo-tech school. Please submit proof. 3 points per person per class semester, up to 6 points.

Up to 6 points

The primary staff member responsible for caring for the plants on this project is a Certified Landscape Technician or Certified Landscape Professional, or has some other professional certification other than a pesticide applicators license. Please name the certification:

8 points

Other:

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Extra plants and plants that are below industry standards and are being replaced are donated to a non-profit organization, charity or school from time to time, provided they are healthy. This may include but is not limited to community centers, shelters, public schools, nursing homes, senior centers, etc.

10 points

Please name the organization(s) and the date of the last donation:

The plant care provider, project owners and/or managers volunteer or donate over $100 per year to a non-profit or charitable organization as described above. Please list the recipients:

© Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Ph: 281•687•6966

2 points per hour or per $100 donation, maximum 10 points

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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Green Earth–Green Plants® Project Certification Assessment Form

Criteria

Possible Points

Earned Points

MISCELLANEOUS Quality Control: The account is visited at least once every 3 months for quality control. Please include a written quality control report for the past 4 quarters (or copies of the report plus the schedule for visits if the account is less than 1 year under contract.)

4 points

Invoices for this project are sent via email or FAX, rather than mailed out.

2 points

Please use this space for any other earth-friendly practices utilized on this project that were not included previously. Points will be assigned and determined based on similar criteria in this assessment.

Points Criteria

© Johnson Fediw Associates, 2009, The Woodlands, TX

Ph: 281•687•6966

(to be determined)

www.GreenEarthGreenPlants.com

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